Early Signs of Alzheimer’s and Dementia

Alzheimer’s and dementia slowly affect memory, thinking, and daily life. More than 6.9 million seniors have Alzheimer’s disease in the US. Recognizing early signs is important as it allows families to seek medical advice and provide better support. There are several warning signs that families of Alzheimer’s patients should be able to recognize. This article will discuss these signs to help families support their loved ones with the right in-home Alzheimer’s care services.

All Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease

Disruptions in Daily Life Due to Memory Loss

Memory loss is an early sign of Alzheimer’s. It is more than occasional forgetfulness. People may struggle to remember recently learned information, important dates, or events. They might ask the same questions repeatedly or rely on notes for things they once handled easily.

Forgetting names or missing an appointment sometimes is normal but frequent memory lapses that interfere with daily life can be a concern. With 24-hour Alzheimer’s care from Nurse Next Door, families can support their loved ones and help them stay safe.

Solving Problems and Planning Become Challenging

Alzheimer’s and Dementia can make planning and problem-solving difficult. Simple tasks that involve numbers become confusing. A person may struggle to keep track of monthly bills. Managing finances can feel overwhelming. Occasional mistakes like miscalculating a bill are not concerning. Frequent errors and trouble focusing on tasks are signs of concern.

They Find It Challenging to Complete Familiar Tasks

Dementia can make routine activities harder. A person may struggle to organize a grocery list or follow steps in a simple task. Driving to familiar places can become confusing and dementia may lead to wrong turns or getting lost.

Forgetting instructions once in a while is common but needing constant help with easy tasks is different. When familiar activities become frustrating, it may be a sign of cognitive decline. Recognizing these changes early can help in managing daily life better.

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Disorientation and Forgetting Dates

People with Alzheimer’s disease may struggle to remember dates, seasons, or the course of time. They might wake up at night and think that it is morning, or forget what month it is. Familiar places can feel unfamiliar and make them unsure of where they are. 

Forgetting the day sometimes and remembering later is okay. But frequent disorientation can be a warning sign. Nurse Next Door’s 24-hour Alzheimer’s care services can help with creating a safe environment for your loved ones.

They Wander Away and Get Lost Regularly 

Alzheimer’s disease can cause disorientation and lead to wandering. A person may walk away from home and struggle to find their way back. They might feel lost or unsure of their surroundings in familiar places. They wander due to confusion and feel the need to keep moving.

Anyone can lose track of direction and it’s quite normal. However, regular wandering is risky for those living with dementia. Nurse Next Door’s personalized in-home Alzheimer’s care includes taking effective steps to prevent wandering and reduce the chances of getting lost.

It Becomes Difficult to Handle Money and Pay Bills

Managing money can become challenging with Alzheimer’s disease. A person may forget to pay bills or struggle to keep track of expenses. Simple calculations like counting change may feel confusing.

They might also have trouble recognizing scams or making financial decisions. Missing payments or misplacing money frequently can be a sign of cognitive decline. Support from family members can help prevent financial mistakes and ensure stability.

Misplacing Objects and Losing the Ability to Retrace Steps

Individuals with Alzheimer’s may place everyday items in odd locations. Keys might be in the freezer or a wallet could end up in a kitchen drawer. When they try to find these items they struggle to recall where they left them.

They cannot retrace their steps to locate lost objects, unlike occasional forgetfulness. Over time, this can lead to frustration or even accusations of theft. Our 24-hour Alzheimer’s care can provide a structured routine that helps minimize confusion.

Lack of Spontaneity and Inability to Take Initiative

Alzheimer’s disease can make a person less active and engaged. Hobbies they loved in the past may no longer interest them. Simple tasks like starting a conversation or planning daily activities seem difficult.

They might sit for hours doing nothing and need constant reminders for basic chores. The energy and enthusiasm they once had slowly fade and even small decisions feel like a burden. This shift in behavior is an early warning sign of this disease.

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Asking the Same Questions Again and Forgetting Information

A person with Alzheimer’s disease may ask the same question multiple times without realizing it. They might forget recent conversations, appointments, or important details. They may ask again within minutes even after receiving an answer. 

New information becomes hard to retain. This is not just random forgetfulness. The constant repetition and memory gaps can disrupt conversations.

Their Mood and Personality Changes 

Dementia can bring unexpected mood swings. A person may feel happy one moment and frustrated the next. Small things that never bothered them before may now cause irritation or anger.

Anxiety and confusion become more common, especially in unfamiliar situations. They may withdraw from social activities and show signs of depression. These changes are not normal mood shifts and can make daily interactions unpredictable and difficult for loved ones.

Conclusion

Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia helps in managing the condition more effectively. Recognizing the signs at an early stage allows for medical intervention and necessary support. If these signs appear, consulting a doctor can help with diagnosis and care planning. Family involvement is important in offering emotional and practical support.

Explore Nurse Next Door’s 24-hour Alzheimer’s care at home to provide comprehensive support to your loved one at every stage of this progressive condition. From brain games to keep the mind sharp to taking steps to prevent Alzheimer’s patients from wandering away, our services cover various needs of those who are living with Alzheimer’s disease. Book a Caring Consult right now.